Received Desember 30, 2022; Revised Januari 02, 2023; Accepted Februari 09, 2023
JURNAL PENDIDIKAN DAN SASTRA INGGRIS
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The Impact Of English Language On The Existence Of Indonesian Language In The Age Of Globalization
Revi Septiani Lutfi Udayana University E-mail:reviseptianilutfi@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Globalization is not only disseminating information and technology to develop the human life, but it also brings cultures with new languages which are then absorbed and utilized by people. Likewise, English has turned into an international language which is able to be mastered by various Indonesian people. However, the use of English in Indonesia is increasingly symptomatic and fades the Indonesian language. The phenomenon is unallowed since its dominance can damage the development of Indonesian language which makes its construction necessary. Thus, this research is expected to raise public awareness to uphold the Indonesian language amidst globalization.
Keywords: Indonesian Language, English Language, Globalization
I. INTRODUCTION
Language is defined as a meaningful sound produced in the form of human speech as a mean of communication for a person or a group of people. It is needed by people to interact and communicate, interpreted as a tool to convey something that comes to mind (Murti, 2015: 177). With language, a human being will be able to convey feelings, wishes, opinions, ideas, experiences, knowledge and provide oral or written information to the mass. Language can help a person to obtain information, increase knowledge, and works as a tool for people to collaborate in all kinds of interaction. It can also According to Wibowo (2001: 3), these activities can give birth to a thought and a feeling of stimulation and have the most important place for all humans because a language facilitates the interaction and communication between people. Its utilities make language becomes essential in the daily life of humans with its various advantages. This statement is supported by facts according to Rondiyah, Wardani, & Saddhono (2017: 142) who stated that language is a globally important factor in communication during the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) era. During that time, with the large amount of diversity inside the AEC, people were obligated to learn the languages of each other or speak in the international language which was English. Without proper learning and delivery, it would be impossible for the people of AEC to communicate their thoughts and ideas. This proves that language is needed in all human activities and it is undeniable.
In accordance with the place of residence of the Indonesian people, the language used by the Indonesian people is bahasa Indonesia or Indonesian language. Indonesian language is the unifying language of Indonesian society which makes it becomes the commonly used and the official language of the country (Suminar, 2016:
116). It is an element as well as the main communication medium which is then philosophically interpreted as human expression of reality in Indonesia. Thus, the existence of the Indonesian language is highly dependent on the level of success in developing the language with certain rules to be obeyed such as creating new vocabulary and terms with the absorption of local and foreign language. Language rules must be obeyed in order to correctly de develop the language. However, within the unstoppable current of globalization, the entry and development of foreign languages is frequently concerned to have disobeyed the rules.
Globalization has helped the needs of people to enhance their innovations. However, in addition to causing negative impacts that are symptomatic in social, economic, political, and other aspects, globalization also affects the authentic Indonesian language. The era of global change that has swept across the world is considered a threat to the Indonesian language, which is triggered by the increasingly sophisticated technology. With the increasing technological sophistication, foreign languages, especially English, are very easy to enter the country along with information and culture that is increasingly infiltrating Indonesia. This benefits the development of Indonesian culture as a country that does not close itself off from external renewal until mastery of the English
language becomes the main capital of the Indonesian people to compete in the era of globalization (Handayani, 2016). Many institutions and companies put forward English-speaking candidates with an agreement on positions, responsibilities, and higher salaries. With the entry of various kinds of things from abroad, English is also learned to be used as a common language and facilitate communication between nations. In contrast, this can further affect the existence of the Indonesian language which makes the general public more interested in learning English rather than deepening their understanding of the Indonesian language. It is undeniable that English has taken over the existence of Indonesian because of its wide use.
The development results of mastering English which are preferred by many people compared to mastering Indonesian are beneficial but also fatal at the same time. Its fatality begin with people who will gradually underestimate Indonesian language, forget that Indonesian is the language of the unity of the country, start to despise Indonesian literatures which triggers a decline in Indonesian writers, find it difficult to pronounce the proper and correct Indonesian language, and fade the authenticity of the Indonesian people, the spirit of nationalism, and pride in their own language and culture. If left unchecked, the Indonesian language can be forgotten and experience extinction. This is something that must be addressed swiftly so that the existence of the Indonesian language remains firm in the midst the very wide use and mastery of English. To do this, it is necessary to understand the importance of the Indonesian language from an early age. People need to educate themselves and their surroundings about the importance of Indonesian language amidst the inevitable current of globalization, considering how fatal the negativities might become. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to find out the impact of English on Indonesian in the era of globalization as a threat or opportunity.
II. RESEARCH METHODS
The research method used in this study is a research design using a qualitative research approach.
According to Arifin (2012: 10), qualitative research is a research process that is carried out fairly and naturally in accordance with objective conditions in the field without any manipulation. The type of data collected prioritizes descriptive qualitative data which is intended to objectively investigate circumstances, conditions, and other matters related to research (Arikunto, 2010: 3). Ratna (2012: 53) also revealed that analytical descriptive research was carried out by describing the facts which were then followed by analysis. Hence, it can be concluded that descriptive research method is a type of research that seeks to describe, describe, and interpret objects and phenomena in the form of facts to be analyzed.
The purpose of this qualitative research method is to explain the related event in as much detail as possible by collecting as much data as possible to become a data study for research. The stages of data collection in this study, namely formulating problems which include the search for formulation and limitation of problems to be directed in data collection, starting data collection by taking material related to problems such as from books, journals, similar reports, magazines, research reports, and interviews which is then summarized in a research data in accordance with the existing facts, then completes or perfects the results of a data analysis and develops a way of presenting it in the form of research.
III. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Muslich (2010: 27) reveals that the Indonesian language shows its characteristics as a communication tool that is absolutely necessary for the Indonesian people. It is also a tool for social integration and adaptation someone uses when they need to adapt in a new social environment. In a new social environment, that person will naturally use a language that is adapted to the situation and conditions as well as is allowed to use more than one language. According to Saddhono (2014), bilingualism is also one of the phenomena of two languages in a speech act.
The development of Indonesian language has gradually accelerated through time with positive and negative impacts, showing the highs and lows of cultural values and illustrating how far the progress of the Indonesian people in the social and cultural fields. The pledge of “Soempah Pemoeda” became a solid foundation for the position of the function of the Indonesian language. In its journey, even Indonesian language is no longer valued as a unified language, but has also developed as the state language, official language, and language of science and technology (IPTEK).
Current Position of Indonesian Language
Currently, the Indonesian language has become popular and has become the attention of its users.
Indonesian language continues to be used by the community with in-depth knowledge, it can be interpreted that Indonesian language has experienced rapid development whose use is getting better and wider in society. Now, the Indonesian people can feel the need for an agenda to foster and pay attention to the development of the Indonesian language and realize that without Indonesian, this nation will not make progress.
According to Gunarwan (2000), although Indonesian language has been modernly classified, in reality it has not been able to function as a communication tool in the broadest sense. Thus, further understanding is needed so that the language aspect can advance all other aspects. In addition, the interest of the Indonesian people to want to learn and deepen knowledge about the Indonesian language must increase every time so that it becomes better in order to perpetuate the very rapid progress. However, this is limited by the era that is currently conquering the Indonesian people, namely the era of globalization.
In the current era of globalization, some people think that the Indonesian language is part of the barrier to the global communication process. Since Indonesian language is not used globally, this makes Indonesian language seem less facilitating the globalization process. Likewise, according to Ariningsih, Sumarwati, &
Saddhono (2012: 42), it was revealed that the higher the quantity of language errors, the less the goal of language teaching is achieved. The digital era that demands mastery of technology and foreign languages in various fields of life is currently considered to be increasingly marginalizing the position of Indonesian language. Supposedly, this position does not mean that Indonesian language is unable to compete with other languages in the world, but rather that the attitude of the Indonesian people as Indonesian language users tends to show a negative attitude. If the Indonesian nation as the owner and user of Indonesian language continues to have a negative attitude towards its national language, Indonesian language will develop chaotically and this language will never become a stable language (Marsudi, 2009: 135).
The phenomenon of the weakening of the position and role of the Indonesian language is exacerbated by the widespread use of foreign languages, the prominence of international standard schools, and the proliferation of international programs in universities. The flow of globalization will also affect all aspects of human life and livelihood, including the existence of the Indonesian language among their own people. This influence will be seen in the fields of education and culture and one of them is the issue of national identity (Muslich, 2010: 18).
Therefore, Wijana (2018: 92) stated that various efforts to maintain and preserve the existence of the use of the Indonesian language must be carried out.
The Position of Indonesian Language in the Global Era
Indonesian language has a very important position. It acts as a means of support in the development and growth of science and technology, because without a language, science and technology cannot develop and grow properly. Improving the function of the Indonesian language as a scientific tool also needs to continue to be carried out in line with the development of science and technology in various aspects of the life of the Indonesian nation.
In the current era of globalization, Indonesian language is also used as a source of knowledge and is used by foreign speakers. By upholding the provisions of Pancasila, The 1945 Constitution, and realizing the Indonesian language as the official language, all official affairs such as country administration, judiciary, and political administration always use the Indonesian language. Indonesian language is also used in international relations as a means of communication for the purposes of planning, governance, and implementation of development, prerequisite skills for a position, showing company names throughout Indonesia, and much more. So, it is undeniable that the Indonesian language plays an important role in everyday life with its people who are always determined to uphold it. However, Indonesian language is faced with the threat of sustainability that arises in the current era of globalization. The threat comes from the rapid development of foreign languages into the country, especially English.
Phenomenon of English and Its Mastery
According to Budiarti (2013), English is one of the languages whose existence is increasingly important for the world community. This is understandable because English appears to be a world language with a very wide spread of usage areas, so the need for mastery of English is very much needed. This mastery is also a basic capital to compete in the era of globalization.
In the era of globalization which is very sophisticated and updated, English language skills are indispensable in international and intercultural communication. People who are able to speak English will more easily respond to and absorb important things that arise due to the flow of globalization. They will also get more job opportunities than those who do not have the ability to speak English. Thus, English is very much needed in the current era which is then recognized and agreed upon as an official language universally and has the potential to be an added value for the Indonesian people to be able to compete internationally.
Knowing that English is an international language, English has also become a demand that must be mastered by society in this era of globalization. Being able to speak English has become a must and need for everyone in the current time. Seeing the reality, English language skills will also be a contributing factor to success in the academic field and also in other fields. Therefore, in this era of globalization, it is very important for Indonesian people to learn English.
Threat of English and Its Mastery
With a very rapid development of mastery, it cannot be denied that English poses a serious threat to the development of Indonesian mastery by the community itself. If an attention is being paid, Indonesian people seem more proud when they use English than Indonesian. Indonesian language is also often underestimated by the lack of public interest in using it in everyday life, considering it less suitable to reflect a higher, more modern, and more educated perception. This means that people’s language behavior does not place the national language as the main language. The sense of pride in the Indonesian language has also decreased. In short, Indonesian language is considered powerless to face such modern life.
Being able to master English is something to be proud of. However, the Indonesian people need to pay close attention to its use and intensity. It is not uncommon to find negative phenomena in English that threaten the existence of Indonesian language. These phenomena include the number of Indonesians who proudly demonstrate their proficiency in using English, even though they do not master Indonesian well, then many Indonesians feel ashamed if they do not master English but never feel ashamed if they are not able to master Indonesian. Many Indonesians underestimate their national language and do not want to learn it because they feel they have mastered it well, and many Indonesians feel that they are smarter than others because they have mastered English fluently, even though their mastery of their language is not perfect. This shows that the more cultured they are in speaking English, the more alienated their own culture will be.
The cornering of the Indonesian language in the era of globalization needs to be considered by all elements of Indonesian society. The existence of the Indonesian language is increasingly fading because many Indonesians, especially young people, people from the business community, and officials who use languages other than Indonesian, such as English, are not good and right (Assapari, 2014). The government has also issued a letter from the Minister of Home Affairs to governors, regents and mayors throughout Indonesia Number 1021/SJ dated March 16, 1995 concerning Controlling the Use of Foreign Languages. The letter contains instructions that the signboards of the business and trade world throughout Indonesia that use foreign languages should be changed to Indonesian language. With the help of the government, the community must also start moving to address these linguistic problems.
Attempts to Reduce The Threat
In the current era of globalization, the identity of the Indonesian language needs to be fostered and socialized by every Indonesian citizen. This is necessary so that the Indonesian people are not carried away by the currents and influences of foreign cultures that are not in accordance with the Indonesian language and culture.
So, as young people, we must cultivate and foster a positive attitude towards the Indonesian language itself. An attitude of loyalty in Indonesian language is revealed if they prefer to use Indonesian rather than a foreign language and are willing to keep foreign influences from being too excessive. The attitude of pride in speaking Indonesian is also revealed through the awareness that Indonesian language that can express complex concepts carefully through Indonesia language.
What needs to be understood is that this positive attitude towards the Indonesian language does not mean a closed language attitude. The Indonesian people must be open and not demand purity or shut themselves off from mutual influence with foreign languages. Therefore, the Indonesian people must be able to distinguish between positive and negative influences on the development of the Indonesian language. This attitude can instill confidence among the public that Indonesian language is no different from English. With this positive attitude, the Indonesian people will be helped in maintaining the Indonesian language in order to survive the negative influence of the English language.
Indonesian people must show obedience in the form of volunteering and pride in using Indonesian language according to the rules so that it can be classified as a good and correct language. Loyalty to the use of the Indonesian language does not mean hating English. However, Indonesian language users who obey this rule know when and where to use it and when and where to use English so that a sense of responsibility arises for the development and development of the Indonesian language. The love for Indonesian language will also increase.
This is also a shared hope to maintain the loyalty of the Indonesian language which then encourages people to maintain their language and prevent the negative influence of other languages.
IV. CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that the flow of globalization affects all aspects of life in the fields of education, culture, and others. Indonesia will not face easy problems, one of which is a threat to national identity or the Indonesian language in the era of globalization. The threat comes in the form of the rapid development of mastery of English which affects the existence of Indonesian language. Its use threatens the existence of the Indonesian language, but its use is also needed in the current era of globalization as one of the basic capitals to be able to compete in the era of globalization. Thus, mastery of English has a positive impact in the form of the ability to follow international developments and a negative impact in the form of shifting Indonesian language in daily life.
Being able to master English is considered important, but users need to pay attention to the rules of the language.
Its use must be adapted to the situation and place, considering the values that exist in Indonesian and regional languages, prioritizing Indonesian and regional languages in formal education, and not ignoring Indonesian and regional languages. Language coaching and development also needs to be done to increase love and pride in the Indonesian language. Therefore, the influence of English on the existence of Indonesian in the era of globalization is seen as an opportunity or a threat depending on how we as Indonesian citizens react to it.
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